Editing Services

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Editing Services 〰️

Hi. I’m Elle. 🍄

romance editor & author

Do you want an editor who understands the indie author journey? Who is constantly improving her craft? And who loves nerding out over story and writing? I may just be the editor for you!

I’m Elle Lavendelle, an indie romance author and editor. I love all things romance, and I would love to help you get your romance books out to the world. No matter the state of your manuscript, I’m here to help it shine!

I can’t wait to read your story.

A young woman with red hair, wearing glasses and a sleeveless top, is holding an open book and smiling while looking off to the side.
Logo of the Editorial Freelancers Association with the letters 'EFA' and the words 'Member'

  • Unveil the potential of your draft with developmental editing! A developmental edit looks at big-picture items such as: characterization, story structure, plot and pacing, and world-building.

    Includes two passes.

    Rate: .012/ word, for example:
    $600 for 50,000 words.
    $1200 for 100,000 words.

    Includes: A 10+ page manuscript evaluation, in-line comments with actionable steps and suggestions, and email support.

  • This combination line and copy edit includes editing for flow, word choice, grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation. I use The Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for reference.

    Includes one pass. Additional pass(es) available for an additional fee of 50%.

    Rate: .009-.012 per word, for example: $450-600 for 50,000 words.
    $900-1,200 for 100,000 words.

    Includes: Edited manuscript, editorial letter, style guide, and email support.

  • A last pass to ensure your manuscript doesn’t have typos, simple grammar issues, misspellings, punctuation problems, etc. This is not a replacement for a line/copy edit.

    I use The Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for reference.

    While proofreading is typically done on a formatted manuscript, I proofread as the final step before formatting. I do not proofread on formatted manuscripts, nor do I check for formatting errors.

    Includes one pass. Additional pass is offered at an additional fee of 50%.

    Rate: .006 per word, for example:
    $300 for 50,000 words.
    $600 for 100,000 words.

    Style guide can be an add-on for $100.

  • Do you need help with story structure, character arcs, and big picture matters but aren’t ready to dive into a full developmental edit? My manuscript evaluations are a lighter developmental edit, including the developmental pieces without the in-line commentary.

    Rate: A flat fee of $500 for manuscripts <100,000 words. Email me about longer projects.

    Deliverables. One 10+ page report.

BOOKING FOR JUNE 2026 & BEYOND!

Interested in a service?

Get in touch for a quote, sample edit, or to book with me!

Ask me about my payment plans.

A young woman with glasses and red hair reading a book.
“Not only was her work absolutely meticulous, but she also explained why certain changes were needed and left glowing comments along the way. The entire process was seamless from start to finish. ”
— Willa Kay

Packages

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Packages 〰️

  • Are you looking for an editor to walk you through your project, from beginning to end?

    This includes three rounds of edits:

    • Developmental Editing

    • Copy & Line Editing

    • Proofread

    • Optional formatting

    In this package, we will be working together for 3-6 months and you get email support on every step of the way.

    Rates: .025/word, for example:
    50,000 words for $1,250.
    100,000 words for $2,500

  • This is the perfect package to ensure your manuscript is polished from the big picture to the small details! This includes two rounds of edits:

    • Developmental Edits

    • Copy and Line edits

    Perfect for authors who want to make sure their story is as smooth as possible, but are confident in proofreading on their own or want to hire an additional pair of eyeballs for proofreading.

    Rate: .019/word. For example:
    $950 for 50,000 words.
    $1,900 for 100,000 words.

  • Confident in your story, but want someone to make sure it’s crystal clear? This is the package for you! In this package, we’ll have two rounds of editing to address grammar, line clarity, flow, and even those pesky typos.

    This includes two rounds of edits:

    • Copy/Line Edits

    • Proofread

    Rates: .014/word, for example:
    $700 for 50,000 words.
    $1,400 for 100,000 words.

  • Want some light support around the structural/developmental pieces of editing, but a little heavier on the flow and grammar? This is the edit for you!

    This includes two rounds of edits:

    • Manuscript Evaluation (no in-line comments)

    • Copy and Line edits

    Rate: .013/word. For example:

    • $650 for 50,000 words.

    • $1,300 for 100,000 words.

Interested in a package?

Packages come with an automatic discount!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please make note of these things before booking with me!

  • I exclusively edit with Microsoft Word and request that my clients do as well. No Scrivener files, do Google Docs. I do not recommend that my clients use Google Docs, as it can create massive issues with tracked changes and comments.

  • I offer 50/50, 3-month, and 6-month payment plans. For larger packages or bigger projects, I may offer an elongated plan; just ask about it!

  • A majority of my payments are done through Squarespace invoices, but Paypal invoices are an option as well. Paypal or major debit/credit cards are both accepted through Squarespace invoices.

  • You can reach out to me at ellelavendelle@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on this page.

  • I offer my editing clients phone sessions at $45/hour. This can be great for brainstorming, clarity, and even general author advice!

  • Yes, I work with a contract to keep both parties safe. My contract includes an anti-AI section.

  • I do not work with gen AI, and I will not work on projects that have been written or “edited” with GenAI. However, things like spellcheck and such (assistive AI) are perfectly acceptable.

Portfolio!

  • Illustration of a man and woman standing on a pink city street. The man is wearing a blue jacket and pants, and the woman is in a light blue suit with curly hair. The background features modern glass buildings and the text 'The Fake Play' and 'AJ Victoria'.

    Light Developmental Edit, Line & Copy Edit

    Hockey Romance

  • Book cover for 'Sweet Escape' by Willa Kay, featuring pink-themed illustrations including a cupcake decorated with flowers and a rainbow-shaped lollipop with a ribbon, set against a pink floral background.

    Copy/Line Edit & Proofread

    Contemporary Cowboy Romance

  • Book cover titled 'Whispers of the She-Wolf' by Pauline Walters featuring a full moon, a howling wolf, and decorative vines and flowers against a starry night sky.

    Line & Copy Edit

    Dark Paranormal Romance

  • Book cover for "Between the Shadows and the Dawn" by Jenna Streety, featuring three characters in a fantasy setting with mountains and trees in the background.

    Beta Reading

    Romantasy

  • Book cover titled "Broken Wings & Tangled Webs" by Gigi Zarbi, with a purple background, gold decorative columns, a flying bird, spiders, and web patterns.

    Beta Reading

    Scifi/Romantasy Blend

  • Book cover titled '30 Nights with the Alpha' by Pauline Walters featuring a silver tree with glowing blue hearts, a crescent moon, and mystical greenish background.

    Line, Copy, & Proofread

    Paranormal Erotica

  • A purple humanoid alien with horns, green eyes, and purple spots, standing in space with a cosmic background, with text that reads 'Saved by the Alien Hybrid' and the author's name 'Lynell Miles.'

    Developmental Edit, Line & Copy Edit

    Aien Romance

  • Book cover titled 'Drawn to You' by Kassie Mak, with background of musical notes, sheet music, handwritten notes, musical instruments, and heart shapes.

    Copy/Line Edit & Formatting

    Contemporary Rockstar Romance

  • Book cover titled 'Skyline & Sanctuaries' by Willa Kay, pink background with silhouettes of trees, buildings, birds, and stars.

    Copy/Line Edit

    Small Town / Pop Star Romance

  • Book cover titled 'The Butcher's Wife' by Eve Ciric, featuring a black and white tattooed man with dark hair and a beard, with dark, intense imagery.

    Copy/Line Edit

    Dark Mafia Romance

What my clients are saying!

  • Kelly Johnson (@authorkellyjohnson)

    Elle helped me turn my dream of publishing a book into a reality. When I sent her my developmental edit, I felt so lost, almost ready to scrap the whole project. She gave me detailed feedback (pages of it!) and suggestions that perfectly aligned with my story and vision. Elle saved that story. A few months later, I booked her for line edits. The attention to detail was unparalleled. My clunky grammar was smoothed over and made better in every way. I highly recommend her for anything editing related that you need. She's amazing and I can't wait to work with her again on future projects!

  • Willa Kay (@willakaywrites)

    Working with Elle was an an absolutely pleasure. She took so much pressure off my shoulders, I can’t possible recommend her enough! Not only was her work absolutely meticulous, but she also explained why certain changes were needed and left glowing comments along the way. The entire process was seamless from start to finish. I’m afraid she’s stuck with me now.

  • Pauline Walters (@paulinewaltersauthor)

    Elle did a copy/line editing on my short story, and I can only recommend her for all your editing needs. She provided me with a style sheet, which I never had before, and I loved how she left comments on the documents explaining why she went with such word instead of another one. It does make a big difference to understand the thinking process. I loved working with her so much that I already booked her services for another story. Get in there fast!

  • S. Lynn Smith (@slynnsmithbooks)

    Elle made this process so easy!! The developmental edit was so thorough and I felt like I learned a lot about my own writing (good and what needed to be improved on). Elle was available for any questions I had about the suggestions and never made me feel like I was a bother. The line/copy edit was amazing too! Elle explained WHY some of the edits were needed rather than just suggesting the edits. I learned so much and have actually taken what Elle taught me and applied it to my other WIPs (hopefully making their job easier next time ). I would, and will, work with Elle again!

  • Kassie Mak (@ kassiemakauthor)

    Elle was a life saver when I need her most! My debut was needing another editor last minute and I was stressed. But she was thorough and honest and her feedback and guidance helped so much. She also did my formatting and I'm so in love! I definitely recommend her to anyone needing editing, proofreading or formatting!

  • Jenna Streety (@jennastreety)

    Working with Elle has been a dream come true! She was attentive to my book's complex world building, romantic tension, and its marketing potential. Her write ups and in-line comments have truly helped me to see my story better and have overall assisted me in making it shine! I cannot wait to work with her again, and can't recommend her eyes on your manuscript enough.

  • Gigi Zarbi (@gigi.zarbi)

    I hired Elle for a beta read and was blown away by their professionalism, quick turnaround, and thorough feedback. Every suggestion was spot on and presented in a straightforward, intentional, manner.

    This was my first time hiring a fellow author to beta who's not read within my universe, and I must say, I'm now a convert; especially because this was a standalone project.

    Elle is amazing and so, so kind, hire them!

  • Robin I.

    Elle is FANTASTIC. She's super sweet and crazily thorough. Hire her, you won't regret it!! :)

  • T M Griego (@t.m.griego)

    If you're looking for a beta reader, Elle is IT! Her reader report was clear, concise, and was filled with the exact feedback and thoughts I was hoping for and more. Each POV character, plot point and concern was addressed thoroughly and with care. Elle helped me see my book in a new light! I would highly recommend this service if you're looking for a beta reader. Eleven out of ten stars!

Each editing service can come with a free sample edit. I’ll send over a contract that outlines you keeping your rights to the work, and my anti-AI promise. I offer clear communication via email, with responses within 48 hours.

After working together, you have two weeks to email me your questions for continued support.

I offer payment plans.

What is it like to work with me?

Qualifications

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Qualifications 〰️

Certifiates

  • Developmental Editing of Fiction Beginner (EFA)

  • Developmental Editing of Fiction Intermediate (EFA)

  • Copyediting Fiction (EFA)

  • Line Editing Fiction Beginner (EFA)

  • Line Editing Fiction Intermediate (EFA)

Other Training

  • Listen to the Music: Introduction to Line Editing (EFA Webinar)

  • Romance for Editors: Working with Archetypes, Tropes, and Genre Conventions (EFA Webinar)

  • Editing Sex and Intimacy (EFA Webinar)

Interested in my services?

Contact me for a quote, sample edit, or to get in the books!